The wildfires, which have been escalating on the Hawaiian island of Maui, have tragically claimed 106 lives. In response to this tragedy, the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) has initiated fundraising efforts to assist the Korean American victims affected by the devastation.
James An, President of KAFLA, remarked, “Nearly 500 Korean Americans reside in Maui. From reports, these wildfires have obliterated the majority of their homes and businesses. Their present livelihood challenges are profound, and recovery’s timeline remains uncertain.”
Since news of the wildfires surfaced, KAFLA has maintained continuous communication with the Maui Korean Community Association, led by President Kelly Sonhui Yoo, to understand the on-ground situation better. Per the Association’s insights, 12 businesses ranging from dry cleaners to gift shops have been wiped out. Additionally, seven buildings and residences, including condominiums, have faced destruction.
Jeff Lee, the Executive Director of KAFLA, stated, “Our organization has a longstanding history of offering assistance in disaster-stricken areas, whether it’s aiding our compatriots in Ukraine, or supporting earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey. We request the community’s backing in restoring hope for our fellow Overseas Koreans affected by these Maui wildfires, assisting them in rebuilding their lives.”
For those keen on contributing to the ‘Support Maui Disaster Relief’ fund, checks, addressed to the Maui Korean Community Association, can be mailed to the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles at 981 S. Western Ave., Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90006. Alternatively, direct drop-offs at the KAFLA office are also accepted.
APIA Vote, an esteemed voter advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., commenced a nationwide donation drive across Asian communities on August 15. Their mission is to “support the devastated island of Maui and the wildfire victims.” Among the endorsed donation recipients are the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hawaiʻi People’s Fund, Kākoʻo Haleakala, Maui Food Bank, Maui Humane Society, Maui Rapid Response, Maui United Way, Pūnana Leo o Lahaina, and Papa Ola Lokahi.
On a grim note, as reported by the Hawaii Governor’s Office, the wildfires have decimated over 2,200 buildings across 2,100 acres and left more than 1,000 individuals missing. State officials have warned that the death count could rise to two to three times the current figure due to the severe impact of the fires. Maui County, grappling with this disaster’s magnitude, has resorted to using refrigerated shipping containers for the provisional storage of bodies.
BY NICOLE CHANG [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
